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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In Chapter 4 what does Dillard use for controlling garden insects?
(a) ladybugs
(b) bats
(c) praying mantises
(d) frogs

2. Why does the author think nature experiments with insects' shape, form and "niche?"
(a) from boredom
(b) to see which works best
(c) because nature is still trying to figure out how to kill off the insects
(d) Dillard figures nature will try anything once

3. What does Dillard see as a passive mystery?
(a) if nature is benign
(b) if her brother would enjoy life in Tinker Creek
(c) if there are fish in the creek
(d) the mountains around her

4. What does the author say the future is?
(a) baby birds who have just hatched
(b) a cricket's song on a sultry night
(c) a wind coming from the east
(d) light on the water and a spirit

5. What is Dillard illustrating in her story about the Polyphemus moth from her childhood?
(a) she has a good memory
(b) kids are cruel
(c) the indifference humans often exhibit towards the natural world
(d) moths have to spread their weeks when born

Short Answer Questions

1. According to Dillard, how is the past healed?

2. Even though she is no scientist, what did Dillard decide she will do in her valley?

3. How long does it take a tree to recreate ninety-nine percent of its living parts?

4. In Chapter 7 who gravitates towards the circle on the bottom of Dillard's fishbowl?

5. Dillard wrote, "the present is fleet." What did she mean by this statement?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Chapter 3, what has the reader learned about Dillard's attitude towards living creatures?

2. Dillard believes that the death of the self is painless. What might she mean by this?

3. What is her purpose in the mimicking?

4. Chapter 13 continues Dillard's musing on the "dog eat dog" world especially as it relates to parasites. How does Dillard view the parasitic relationship?

5. Describe the two ways of seeing, according to Dillard.

6. How does Dillard feel about "shadows?" What does she write to show those feelings?

7. Up to now Dillard has tried to just "notice" creation. In Chapter 8, Section 2, her focus changes. How does her focus change and what might it symbolize?

8. What is kayak sickness?

9. What happens when Dillard tries to stay in the present?

10. Dillard watches a mosquito feed on a copperhead snake. What does she think of the act?

(see the answer keys)

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